3,500 German Radio Interference Complaints in 2020

Despite the corona pandemic, the testing and measuring service of the Federal Network Agency determined and eliminated over 3,500 radio interference and electromagnetic incompatibilities on site. Every fourth incident related to security or system-relevant radio service, for example from authorities and organizations with security tasks, aircraft radio and public cellular networks. "We guarantee interference-free communication for system-relevant radio and telecommunications services even during the lockdown," says Jochen Homann, President of the Federal Network Agency.

Comprehensive hygiene and distance regulations secured fieldwork and on-site order processing from March onwards. The availability of the fault acceptance department and the nationwide operational readiness of the testing and measuring service was also guaranteed around the clock, 7 days a week.

The testing and measuring service is always in demand when impairments to radio and telecommunications services have no operational causes but are caused by unwanted or impermissible radio emissions or other electromagnetic effects. In addition to radio interference processing and preventive reviews of frequency assignments, the testing and measurement service monitors, among other things, the implementation of supply obligations in mobile communications and compliance with limit values for electromagnetic environmental compatibility. In addition, the testing and measurement service searches for frequency use without frequency allocation and ensures at major events that frequencies can be used without interference for a wide variety of radio applications.

The testing and measuring service of the Federal Network Agency is represented with measuring vehicles at 19 locations in Germany in order to carry out tasks across the board. In addition, an accredited measuring laboratory for market surveillance and a satellite measuring point are operated. Consumers and companies who want to report radio interference can contact the radio interference department of the Federal Network Agency. This can be reached at any time on tel. 04821-895555 or by email at funkstoerung (at) bnetza.de.

Here it is clarified whether the reported fault falls within the legal competence of the Federal Network Agency. If the disruption is of an operational nature, the inquirer will be advised who to contact. This service and the fault handling by the inspection and measuring service on-site are free of charge for the fault reporter. Even those who cause disruptions do not have to fear any fees, provided that the disruptions are caused through no fault of their own.